Standard Bearers

[Argon Balros]

i was thinking earlier about standards (the big flags)

i think they should have an actual roll in the game
when someone holds the stardard up it coul have an area of effect ability i.e for example all freindlys gain +2 to resist fear or all enemys need to make a dc 10 save vrs fear.

this would make standards a very real part of the game.

also i think some kind of script where when the standard bear dies the flag drops to the floor making it possible for the enemy to steal standards.


this would add a nice extra dimension to large scale combat.

obviously these would have to be given out by dms to groups such as guilds (i.e each guild has its own standard)

sorry if some of what i just said makes vry litttle sense but is very late

[Gloin]

Hmm... That could be interesting, but isn't it the case that anyone can craft a "standard" at any time, with just a few gold pieces? That would dilute the value of them as items given out by DMs or Guilds, and would make their loss in combat hardly noticeable...

[morez]

well .. all i know is that standards are torches..
and usual torches you can buy in shops havent any abilities
if there should be special torches/standards only given by DMs the developer could create a special torch (standard) with a special ability which arent sold in any stores so this problem wont be a problem :)

i think this suggestion is interesting but also without any engine abilities standards have already a lot of RP abilities and it also could be a kind of a RP ettique to act different if standards are involved

maybe standards could be only really useful for bards to increase their natural buff abilities....

(my instant thoughts)

[Ptolomy]

I didn't see this until after I'd replied in the development discussion:

One of my characters hopes to be come a standard bearer. It would be nice to have a good prop to role play with.

Benefits to the group from having a standard would only be appropriate if all the characters could be said to have some attachment to it. These benefits could be taken at a risk to discourage abuse of standards. Perhaps if the standard falls its group should take a fear test?

If used responsibly, I think standards could enhance the experience of playing a character who is a member of many kinds of organisations.

[morez]

another instant idea what could be nice:

if one group once lost in PvP against another party the standard could be used to demonstrate the present superior party..

next time the two parties are meeting the loser should have to withdraw.. until they can destroy or steal the standard (or something else non-combat)

so you could avoid too frequent party PvP and make the 'frontlines' clear

so i mean you could use the standard as a sign of present superiority

(sorry for some confusing phrases...i am at work without any dictionary)

[DM_Aule]

Actually, I think this is quite doable. If the banners are DM-awarded (perhaps even custom-created following particular RP events), then we could assume abuse would not happen... and an aura-type effect on the banner that provides some small bonus with implied RP significance could be a good idea.

[Argon Balros]

i'm glad you like me idea